This was a good week. Wednesday was my birthday. I had a good day. In the morning, I went to have a facial at Nuovo with my crazy esthetician, Dee. That was very relaxing and refreshing and my skin looked really good after that. Amazing. I came home to find that my dining room had been decorated by streamers. That could have only been my parents, so I called them to accuse them of intruding in my house! Well, not really. It was sweet.

Anyway, I spent the afternoon conversing on the phone with my relatives who called me to say Happy Birthday. Lyanne called and my aunt Celia in New Jersey, who I hadn't talked to for a while, so we spent a long time on the phone. Martin had to work of course but I was content being in my house and being relaxed and getting ready for the evening.

We had a small birthday party here, just my family. I set up my table with a new, blood red tablecloth (I love red) and the night before, I actually made myself a small centerpiece which came out really cute. I was looking to have a lot of contrasting, bright colors and I think I accomplished that. Under the centerpiece I used some pink tulle all arranged cool and it looked really nice with two lavender tea lights next to it. I set the table with my good china and used bright yellow napkins to add even more color. And with the surprise streamers, it looked really festive. I love festive.

I barbecued some T-bone steaks that took about 2 hours to cook because sometimes my fire goes funny on me and everything burns really slowly. But damn did they taste excellent. It really was good. And then of course came the birthday cake - marble cake with buttercream frosting. It was super. I love the stuff. Publix rocks. I got some nice gifts and just really enjoyed my day. Astrologers say that the way you celebrate your ''personal new year'' sets the tone for the rest of the year. I think that I got off to a great start.

Anyway, last night, I went to the movies and dinner with Tara. Martin opted to stay home. He was very tired. So we went to eat first which gave us a chance to talk and such and then we went to see Pirates of the Caribbean, which I enjoyed. It was cute.

Today we're getting ready for our trip tomorrow morning. We have to pick up the rental car tonight and also pack up our stuff. I'm excited to go on this road trip. We haven't really been out of this state for a year, since we went to Nevada last July at around this time. I think a getaway is always a good thing. I'll be back on Thursday.

Martha at 2:48 PM